Life is a constant dance of options, and the melody that resonates well with us is the one we waltz or gyrate to. The decisions we make shape the lifestyle we lead and, in turn, sway the path to satisfaction. Imagine ticking off life's checkboxes one by one, piecing together a beautiful mosaic of experiences. Each completed task adds a splash of color to the grand design. Unfortunately, life's rhythm is a complex tapestry of options. There is always the dilemma of juggling competing interests. A tough decision awaits when you are compelled to select amongst the myriad of prospects that life presents.
As rational beings, we often face the allure of immediate gratification, opting for the path laden with quick, modest rewards rather than the longer route promising substantial bounty. Quick wins! Sprints over marathons. This tendency equates to discounting the future and the broader possibilities of prosperity. After all, nobody knows about tomorrow. Hence our myopic tendencies.
Discipline stands as the cornerstone of our voyage through life. It empowers you to navigate any path you choose. Without it, you'll easily be swayed by fleeting desires, often veering onto the well-trodden path in pursuit of quick gratification. Honesty remains a non-negotiable virtue across all life's domains.
The circumstances we find ourselves in vary. You might find yourself in a field demanding utmost dedication. Some require you to have self-control and chart your destiny while others may afford more freedom and personal preference. Shortcuts might offer a temporary illusion of progress, but they often conflict with long-term aspirations. As the consequences of our choices materialize, the sting of regret tied to those decisions becomes all too clear.
In today's dynamic world, abundant opportunities await if you are willing to seize them. Strive to become the best version of yourself, shed habits that hinder your ability to compete, and embrace challenges, which can be a boomerang to bloom. You should dare to step outside your comfort zone and make the necessary sacrifices to develop your unique strengths. Don't let the prod that elicits defensiveness prevent you from doing what is right because it feels safe to be in a crowd.
As social creatures, we naturally gravitate towards the crowd. The concept of herd mentality is deeply rooted within us. It can hold an individual captive to collective decisions. You end up fearing the risk associated with independent decisions, which in turn leads you to succumb to the social proof bias. Consequently, this bias may amplify your situation, resulting in behavior akin to a sheep blindly following the flock. When one sheep leaps over an imaginary fence, the rest invariably follow suit.
Hyperbolic discounting refers to the tendency to opt for immediate pleasure at the expense of greater future benefits. This cognitive bias often leads to decisions that favor instant gratification over long-term gain. Although we often experience it, we may overlook it or adopt a dismissive attitude, "Whatever!" It's a challenge I've faced before, and this has impeded my ability to fully reap the fruits of my labor. Perhaps I sit on the fence a lot more than I should.
For example, you may aspire to hit the gym to achieve a certain physique, perhaps to feel confident when you look in the mirror, and to ward off lifestyle diseases. This decision marks one of the toughest challenges in your fitness journey. An ideal body is like a sculpture—it has to be chiseled for the outcome to be desirable.
Let's call it the "workout saga," you have to brace yourself for some serious grind, a process that requires improving your health through exercise and better nutrition. It entails making sacrifices and stepping out of your comfort zone into the unknown. This journey is strenuous and unavoidable, especially if you aim to rock that killer physique for life. But those delicious cookies in a nearby bakery might seem more tempting than the gym membership that promises long-term health benefits. Damn you wheat!
I can relate to the fitness journey. There was a time when I was super regimented, hitting the pavement for walks, busting out reps, and chugging water like it was going out of style (eight glasses weren't just a suggestion, it was my mantra). I didn't set specific targets or seek motivation, but after about a month, I hit the brakes. In my walking routine, I experimented with different sneakers and flip-flops until I found the ones that suited my trekking needs. I clocked a kilometer in a cool ten minutes. Initially, drinking water regularly was a challenge, so I spaced out my drinks and threw in some Himalayan salt to prevent frequent bathroom breaks and help in the retention of water in the body cells. But then, those spur-of-the-moment cravings hit, and I eventually succumbed to procrastination and lethargy, seeking alternative options when the initial enthusiasm waned. It's easy to abandon a results-oriented endeavor when a meliorating alternative presents itself.
Last year, I embarked on a journey of self-study. I kept my educational endeavors under wraps, hoping to wow those around me with my success. However, when the results rolled in, I had failed, leaving me feeling like crap and short of apocalyptic. Amid the shock and shame, I soldiered on. Reflecting on my study habits, I realized that my sessions weren't consistent. Despite pouring considerable hours into my studies, I often took fun breaks and indulged in weekly parties to break the monotony. Additionally, I skipped self-quizzes, which would've gauged my understanding. I discovered that taking more than a two-day break from studying frequently snowballed into a week-long hiatus, derailing my focus. Lesson learned. On to the next one.
Hasta La Vista, Baby.
